Jedinak Picks Up AFC Award

1 December 2014

Eagles captain Mile Jedinak has capped a fine end to 2014 by scooping the Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year award at their annual ceremony.

Jedinak skippered the Socceroos during their World Cup campaign in Brazil, scoring against Holland to become the first Palace player to score in the tournament's history, and also helped the club avoid relegation in his first season in England's top-flight before continuing his impressive form this campaign.

The 30-year-old couldn't attend the ceremony in Manila in the Philippines due to his commitments with the Eagles, but left a message in his absence.

“To be recognised by the AFC for the year I had is important to me and I'm very humbled at receiving this award,” Jedinak said.

“I’d like to recognise my team-mates for both club and country for an incredible last 12 months. It has been a year I won't forget in a hurry.

“I’d like to thank all the Socceroos fans who followed us on our World Cup journey in Brazil and beyond, as well as the people who've watched the Premier League and Crystal Palace over the last year at all hours of the morning and been on this amazing journey with me."

There was also joy for another man with Palace connections as Tony Popovic secured the AFC's Coach of the Year award.

Popovic, who played for the club between 2001 and 2006, guided West Sydney Wanderers to Asia's version of the Champions League having won the A-League title last season.